A newly trained public health nurse is learning disaster management. Which action is a component of disaster prevention?

• A. Outlining specific roles of community agencies
• B. Identifying community vulnerabilities
• C. Prioritizing care of individuals
• D. Providing stress counseling

Answer: (B)

Disaster prevention involves reducing risk before a disaster occurs by identifying where a community is most vulnerable. By recognizing vulnerabilities—such as vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled, language barriers), infrastructure weaknesses, and areas prone to hazards—a public health nurse can target preventive measures that lessen impact, like improving housing standards, updating evacuation plans, strengthening critical infrastructure, and conducting targeted community education before events happen. The other actions fit better with other stages of disaster management: outlining roles of agencies supports planning and coordination during preparation and response; prioritizing care of individuals aligns with triage and immediate care during events; and providing stress counseling is part of recovery and mental-health support after a disaster.